Damrow, who guided the Tigers to the Division 3 title two years ago, took a page out of the Philadelphia 76ers playbook this season.

“The biggest thing is new season, same message — just trust the process,” Damrow said. “Don’t think about the outcome, that’s what we preach from the time the game is over to the next don’t think about outcome. If you think about the outcome that’s where you get in trouble.”

It was a perfect outcome for the Tigers to start, taking Game 1 by leading wire-to-wire from the very first point.

But against a Knights team with four players who have each been to three state tournaments, Damrow warned his players it wouldn’t be so easy the rest of the evening.

“They’re going to fight, they’re not going to give in,” Damrow said of Lourdes.

Lourdes did just that in Game 2, taking an early 5-2 lead and eventually held a 12-11 advantage.

Howards Grove responded by winning the next four points before pulling away late.

“We controlled the ball very well and I think our defense kept us in the games,” Damrow said.